Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for add. The drugs include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
The use of stimulants should not be used in patients who have active substance abuse issues, however they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, is an alternative option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medicines. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the individual's biochemistry and how well they react to the drug. It could take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become evident. Increased concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and reduced impulsivity are all signs that the medicine is working.
The medicines in this class may cause side effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, should not take these medications. Stimulants are tightly controlled drugs with the potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who use stimulants are often afflicted by weight loss and appetite problems. If the dosage is excessive, they could also develop the tics. In adhd untreated in adults will lower the dose to stop the drug from causing more symptoms.
The use of stimulant medications is for around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. Most children and young people notice that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is particularly the case for children who have teachers, parents or caregivers who observe improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of substance use disorders later on in the course of. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of substance addiction disorders during the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.